Estes Park Opinion

'Bearing' testimony to trashy problem

Posted:
08/27/2012 10:01:26 AM MDT

Dear Editor:

On Aug. 17, I attended a wonderful show at Performance Park.

As the audience was meandering away after the performance, some of us got a second show. A young bear was standing in a dumpster belonging to the Islander apartments, #435 West Elkhorn Ave. The bear rummaged around for a little while, came up with a trash bag in its mouth, dropped it on the ground, jumped to the ground and ran off with the treasure in its mouth.

All of this was not 20 yards from a gathering crowd of on-lookers. Although, it was fairly dark, someone shone their car headlights on the busy bear. I'm sure many families with young children were thrilled to see such a sight.

However, this points up the problem of downtown businesses not being responsible towards bears, even after all the hoorah and fuss of town meetings and tips for bear awareness in the last few weeks reported in the local newspapers. That dumpster was not locked down with a chain and stood wide open offering a fast food treat for any bear.

How can we keep the bears safe when even one business owner practically hands the verboten garbage to the bruins? Obviously, Estes Park needs some strict rules to get businesses or even homeowners to comply with bear safety issues. Apparently, some think all the buzz about locking down their trash bins does not apply to them.

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Sincerely,

May Anderson

Estes Park

History and Heroes event this weekend

Dear Editor:

Everyone has heard about the wonderful program called History and Heroes. This program is growing and gaining state-wide support to help our much deserving veterans.

History and Heroes had a booth at the Heritage Festival in Bond Park last weekend. The program was very warmly supported by everyone. We would like to thank everyone for their support and generous donations.

Please remember there is a fund-raiser this Saturday at the Estes Park Resort on Lake Estes next to the marina. Activities include live music, a silent auction, a bouncy house for kids, snowcone and popcorn machines and a dunk tank. Food, drinks, History and Heroes T-shirts and drink koozies will be available.

Anyone willing to be in the dunk tank, or wanting to nominate someone else, please call 970-682-9985. Let's have fun and enjoy this opportunity to show support for those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. This is your chance to thank them by showing support for History and Heroes.

On behalf of our veterans and History and Heroes, we thank everyone for your support. Hope to see you at the lake this Saturday.

Rich Johnson

Estes Park

Honored to help United campaign

Dear Editor:

Letter copy goes here

I am honored to be a member of the Estes Park United campaign committee because I believe that when families have what they need, our community thrives. This campaign is supporting a cause that is very important to me, and I hope also to you! As Director of the Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success (EVICS), I see the impact of safe environments and positive adult role models on young children every day.

Many working families in Estes Park are unable to afford the full cost of childcare and supervised activities for their children. This impacts all of us. At-risk children who have access to quality programs have a much higher probability of being successful at school and life. United Way has committed to sponsoring a short-term campaign specifically for this purpose. The Estes Park United campaign will dedicate 100% of the donations collected until October 1st right here in Estes Park. All donations will be split between the EVICS Childcare Scholarship Fund, Kids Café Summer Lunch Program, and the Estes Park Learning Place. Local families will benefit directly from these donations, affording their children safe places to be, nutritious food and healthy activities, learning opportunities, and quality childcare.

For the last three years, the Estes Valley Community Services Coalition has identified one of the greatest needs in Estes Park to be the provision of positive, healthy and safe environments and activities for children and youth. Please join me in supporting our community's greatest asset - our children!

You can learn more about Estes Park United and/or make a secure donation at: estesparkunited.org . Also, watch for other opportunities to give at one of our Kids Rock events in front of Safeway on Sept. 9 and 17, our Blizzard Day at Dairy Queen on Sept. 12, and our participating Restaurant Day on Sept. 27. Interested in volunteering some help? Please call one of the following committee members: Nancy Almond 586-3055, Kathleen Anderson 577-0020, or Amanda Giacalone 407-7013.

Thank you for considering a donation to Estes Park United - where every gift makes a direct difference for a child!

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